Description Port Authority Pipe Band hat belonging to Liam Callahan. The hat is black felt with a black ribbon trim. A dark yellow feather is attached to the hat with a gold–colored metal emblem of the Port Authority logo.
Historical Notes Liam Callahan was born in Queens and lived with his wife, Joan, and their four children in Rockaway, New Jersey. Liam frequently volunteered at his children’s schools, chaperoning field trips and offering to do cafeteria lunch duty on his days off from work as a PAPD officer. A member of the PATH Emergency Service Unit, on September 11, Officer Callahan responded to the towers. He was 44 years old.
Curator's Comment A PAPD Emergency Service Unit officer, Liam Callahan received numerous citations for exemplary actions during his 22-year career, including a group citation for heroic efforts in connection with his and others’ response to the February 26, 1993, World Trade Center bombing. On 9/11, Officer Callahan rushed to the World Trade Center from his post in New Jersey. He was aiding in the evacuation of the North Tower when the building collapsed.
As a child, Liam learned to play percussion instruments from his father and uncle, who had both played the drums in Irish pipe bands. Liam continued to play the drums as an adult, performing at his own wedding. Proud of his Irish heritage, Officer Callahan served as drum sergeant with the PAPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band. HIDE